Ryobi Bench Grinder $20

[Stuey]

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&productId=100004767

This Black Friday deal is apparently being offered a day early. Shipping kills the deal though, unless you happen to get free shipping with a $150+ order.

[Bolster]

I bought one of these several years ago, couldn't believe the low price.

I got maybe a dozen hours of use out of it (maybe half that), then when I'd turn it on it would just buzz or start up backwards. You can still get it to work if you manually spin the wheels forward before turning it on.

Say, anybody know if there is an inexpensive fix for the above problem? Ie, less than the grinder cost in the first place?

[eschoendorff]

I bet that thing has zero power... hold out for an older garage sale special.

[Jay H 237]

I have two of the older style 8" models I bought from H-D a few years ago. I kept the grinding wheels on one and mounted wire brushes on the other.

Not bad but they could use a little more power as the wire brush one does slow down a little when using it. They aren't like similar Baldor or Jet ones I've used but then I guess I shouldn't complain for the $55 they cost each compared to what the others do.

[PoorOwner]

Hmm I have bought one of those for $25. It sits on a HF pedestal for $15.
It works fine. The guide is kind of chessy with plastic knobs. Good for deburring :)
Obviously it ain't the big powerful grinder we all want but it does the job for me.

Stuey, they stock this and the store.

[ImportTuner]

It's too bad you can't buy it online and pick up at store from the Home Depot like you can at Lowes .. :(

[evintho]

American Forge & Foundry makes good grinders. I bought the little brother to this one (just couldn't find a pic). 1/2 hp, 3600 rpm and 3.6 amps for $69 online. It fits my needs perfectly. When purchasing a grinder the amps are what you're looking for. The more the better.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/evintho/Misc%20photos/608.jpg

[DiStOrTiOn]

Where's the American Forge and Foundry one made? I was thinking about picking up the Ryobi tomorrow morning, but if I can get a nice USA made one instead...

[evintho]

Funny you should ask. It's made in China...............ouch! I don't know, I've had it for 2 years and use it a lot with no problems at all. I've gone through 3 wire wheels and 2 grinding wheels. As I said, amps is what you're after. Mine has 3.6 as opposed to the Ryobi with 2.7. The 3/4 hp above puts out 4.8!

Here's my thoughts on american tools made or assembled in China......................
I think some tools, OK a lot of tools from there are cheap junk. It depends which tool we're talking about. Companies move their factories to China because of cheap labor. Why pay american union workers $25-$30 an hour when a chinese worker will do the same job at $1-$2 an hour? As far as internals, how many parts are in a grinder? The outer metal casing, the shaft and an electric motor. We're talking a stator, some magnets, coil, wire, etc. It all comes down to quality control. Hopefully, American Forge and Foundry has some decent quality control. I've heard nothing but good reports on these grinders and as I said, 2 years of use and nary a problem with mine.

Remember back in the 60's and early 70's? Made in Japan was considered sacriledge. It was a slap in the face to the american worker and american commerce. Simply an american mindset, if you will. Now 40 years later we've figured out, they got it right! Sony comes to mind! I think a decade or two from now we'll feel the same about Made in China. Just my 2 cents.